Hey! SUBSCRIBE for free WATTS    / @mixc  

Tough day on the bike at the 2023 Barry Roubaix. Only 5.6 miles into a 64 mile race I got caught behind a rider that unexpectedly braked and within a second on was on the ground (0:15:00). The Barry Roubaix is a gravel race that was held in Hastings, MI on April 15, 2023. This was the 62 mile Wave 1 race.

The beginning of the race had several sketchy parts that I've highlighted in a separate video. What seemed to be a theme were riders often braking too much for what appeared no reason. I'm assuming everyone felt the tension and nervousness of the bunch and after a few close calls were on the brakes even more. In my incident, the rider in front of me grabbed a bunch of brakes all of a sudden that I had no time to react. I hit his back wheel and frame that kicked out my front wheel and I was on the ground immediately. Unfortunately several riders were also caught up in the mix but it appears everyone was at least able to continue.

I was frustrated looking back at the video realizing there was no one in front of him and I can't understand why he felt he needed to brake so aggressively. Unfortunately I couldn't stop in time and I had my first ever gravel crash. What I didn't realize at the time is that I had fractured a rib, cracked my helmet with a likely concussion and had road rash from my ankle to shoulder.

I collected all my gear and realized my cockpit was a mess from the crash. I grabbed my multi tool and straightened the handlebars, wheel and shifters the best I could. I regrouped myself and continued on to see if I could. I wasn't able to move my right shifter up so that remained significantly lower than my left. I could hear my front rotor was rubbing a bit as well. I was in pain but thought I could continue so I did. After the initial shock wore off the pain settled in and I knew I was more messed up than I originally thought. I wasn't able to stand for the remainder of race due to pain so I had to grind out everything seated. To make matters worse I ran out of water and was quite dehydrated, but was just able to make it to the finish yet beaten and battered.

Hey! SUBSCRIBE for free WATTS    / @mixc